Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24751, Philip Follett, Continental Mass. Navy Privateer

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass
Follett, Philip Reynolds, Sarah
N. 24751
Navy
Former widow
CONTENTS
Privateer

3. 1846.
Land of Columbia
Sarah Reynolds died, formerly wife of Philip Fallett who died on the
18th in the State of New York was a member in the Captain of the in the
commanded commanded
for Revolution
described on the Roll of Washington the rate of 72 Dollars 11 . Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 day of March, 1831. End of 2nd Augt, 1846
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of Jan 1853 and sent to
to the 4th of J. Glencoe semi-annual allowance ending Pres.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section 18e }
R. M. Mae Clerk. Vol. - Page 44

State of Massachusetts } ss. Marblehead. County of Essex - - - - - }
In this third day of October, A. D. 1838, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate within & for said County of Essex & State of Massachusetts, Sarah Reynolds a resident of said Marblehead, aged Eighty-one years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, form the best of her knowledge & belief make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th, 1836, & the act explanatory of said act passed March 3rd 1837: That she was married to Philip Fallett, who was a Drummer in the Company of Captain Thomas Grant of the 21 st Regiment of Massachusetts Foot commanded by Colonel John Glover in the war of the Revolution; that her said husband resided in said Marblehead - where he was born & brought up - at the time of his enlistment, & enlisted in said Corps & served from the eight months service as a volunteer on the fifteenth  fourteenth day of July A. D. 1775; that her said husband continued doing his duty in said Corps in & about said Marblehead until the 22 nd day of June then following, when he marched with said Regiment to Cambridge, near Boston, & found the American Army encamped there then under the command of General Ward; that in a short time after General Washington arrived & took the command; that her said husband continued with said Regiment, doing his duty as a Drummer afield until the thirty first day of December following, when the term of enlistment having expired, said Regiment was discharged.

The further Declares that her said husband again immediately afterward entered the service at said Cambridge, & enlisted as a drummer, volunteered for the term of one year in the Company of Capt Francis Sym- onds, which Company belonged to the Continental Army, Rhode Island Line, & was commanded by Lieut Colonel Blount Hitchcock or Colonel Lee: that her said husband continued with said Regiment doing his duty at said Cambridge & around said Boston until the British evacuated Boston, when he marched with it to Long Island, & served in the army there with said Regiment until the Battle of Long Island, & was in said Battle. That upon the peremptory retreat of the Army after said Battle her said husband had to swim for his life with his drum upon his back: that he was finally overtaken by the enemy & made a prisoner - was confined & suffered much in his imprisonment, but was finally released in the month of December of the same year of 1776, & arrived safe home to Marblehead in the month of January 1777: that she was betrothed to her said late husband for several years before his said Army service which gives her a more distinct recollection of it than she would otherwise have had: that while he was attached to the Army he used frequently to send her letters under cover of those which he sent to his father, who was of the same name: that all the letters he sent to her have been lost or destroyed, but that she is still in possession of two of them he directed to his father, both of which are dated in the Army - one May 27th 1776, & the other July 15th of the same year, & both of which are her- =ately answered in support of her claim.
She further Declares that after her said husband's Army service he was

Extract from the Records of Marriages in the Town of Marblehead County of Essex & State of Massachusetts.
for Seventeen hundred seventy eight January Eleventh Mr. Philip Hollett and Miss Sarah Smith both of this town Seventeen hundred eighty nine Mr. William Waples & Miss Sarah Hollett both of this town I certify that the above is a true extract from the Records with the exception of the dates which are expressed on the Record in full legible figures & letters as follows. for 1778 Jan'y 11 - 1779 Feb'y 11 Richard Homan
I, Richard Homan above named, depose & say that I hold the office of Clerk of the Town of Marblehead, County & State aforesaid & that the above is a true extract from the Record with the exception above named, as certified by me -
Richard Homan Clerk of the Town of Marblehead Marblehead Oct. 15 th 1838
Essex ss Then personally appeared Richard Homan a credible witness & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed.
Before me, James Gorgon, J. of the Peace.
I, William Hooper, of Marblehead, in the County of Essex, & State of Mass- achusetts, do on oath testify & declare, that I was Eighty-one years old October 15 th , 1839. That I was in Public Service both by Land & Sea in the War of the Revolution: that I was pensioned on the 29 th of August, 1833 - under the Act of June 7 th 1832 - for said service: that I was well acquainted with many of my fellow Commoners of said Marblehead who performed various services, both Public & Private, in said War: that among the rest I was ac-

I, William Hooper, of Marblehead in the County of Essex, & State of Massachusetts, do on oath testify & declare, that I was Eighty-one years old October 15th, 1889. that I was in Public Service both by Land & Sea in the War of the Revolution; that I was pensioned on the 12th of August, 1833 - under the Act of June 7th 1832 - for said service; that I was well acquainted with with many of my fellow Companions of said Marblehead who performed various services, both Public & Private, in said War; that among the rest I was acquainted with Philip Follett, & William Hooper Reynolds - the two late husbands of Sarah Reynolds, who is understood to have signed the Declaration herein, & I have always understood & believed that the above named two late husbands of the said Sarah Reynolds were in some kind of Public Service in said War, but I am unable to answer to the particulars of it. I well recollect that said Philip Follett sickened & died at home in said time in said War, & I do further well know that said William Hooper Reynolds also sickened & died at home in this town, many years ago, & I further have no doubt that he died at the time his said next of kin hereon declared. And I do further declare that I have from my youth up known Sarah Reynolds, the widow of said William H. Reynolds, & formerly the widow of said Philip Follett - whose maiden name was Sarah Smith - a daughter of Capt. Joel Smith of Glover's Regiment in the year 1775, & I do further well know that she is now a widow & has remained a widow ever since the death of her said late husband the above named William Hooper Reynolds.
William Hooper
Witnesses Hannah Hooper J. Gregory
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. Marblehead, October 26th, 1888. County of Essex - - - }
Then personally appeared the above named William Hooper - a credible & undoubted witness - & made solemn oath, in due form of law, to the truth of the foregoing affidavit, by him in my presence subscribed,
Before me, James Gregory, J. of the Peace.
(Affidavit of Hannah Roundy next page.)

I, Hannah Roundy, of Salem in the County of Essex, Widow, do on my oath testify & declare, that I am in the 82 nd year of my age; that I formerly belonged to Marblehead in the County where I was born & brought up; that my maiden name was Hannah Follett. that I was a sister of Philip Follett, the late husband of Sarah Regan (formerly Follett) who is understood to have signed the Declaration hereon, & I do well recollect that said Philip Follett, my said late brother was in the Army, & served there as a Drummer both the first & second years of the war , & I have no doubt he served as his said widow has hereon stated. And I do further well recollect that my said brother - after his said Army service, & after his marriage to his said widow, the Declarant herein, was an officer (the particulars of which I cannot now recollect) on board a vessel in Boston of which Samuel Dake of Marblehead, was Commander, & I have no doubt that it was the Boston Frigate to which he was attached, & I do well recollect that he proceeded from this town  Marblehead to Boston, in company with his uncle Benjamin Read, who was Lieutenant of the vessel, with the view of joining her, & that it was from ten days to a fortnight before he returned, & then with the view of taking the remainder of his clothes & stores & bedding his family & friends preparatory to going to sea in said vessel. I also recollect that he was taken sick almost immediately after his return home, & died soon after of the Small Pox, in the month of February, 1778, & I believe at the time hereon declared.
Witness my hand.
Hannah Roundy
William Brooks J. Gage
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

That the above named Hannah Randolph Lady well known to me personally to be of good moral character, good character for truth & veracity, & personally appeared & made oath that the above affidavit by her at my presence submitted, is in all respects true.
Before me, James Gregory. S. of the Peace.
Mass: 4157 4 July 36
James Gregory, Marblehead, Mass: Dec 5

State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Essex ... }
On this twenty-eighth day of October A. D. 1852, before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally came and appeared Joel Reynolds, of Marblehead in said County, bricklayer, who being duly sworn according to law on his oath declares, that he is the Executor of the estate of Sarah Reynolds, late of Marblehead in the said County of Essex, deceased, testate - widow of William H. Reynolds and formerly the widow of Philip Follett - reputed to have been a soldier of the War of the Revolution. That said Sarah Reynolds in her lifetime presented her claim for a pension under the third section of the act of July 4th, 1836, but died at said Marblehead during the pendancy of her claim, on the twenty-seventh day of August, A. D. 1844, leaving three children and no more herself surviving, to wit, Joel Reynolds, William H. Reynolds and Judith Beal - as will appear by the Certificate of the Probate Court of said County hereto annexed.
He makes this Declaration with the view of claiming for the benefit of said surviving children any arrears of pension due said Sarah Reynolds, deceased, at the time of her death under the said third section of the act of July 4th, 1836, or the act of 7th July 1838.
He further declares that the said Sarah Reynolds did not again marry after the death of her second husband, the said William H. Reynolds, but continued his widow and the widow of said Philip Follett until her decease at the time above stated; and he begs to refer for proof in support of said claim to the evidence filed in the Pension Office by said Sarah Reynolds in her lifetime.
Joel Reynolds Executor.
Sworn to and subscribed by said Joel Reynolds, Executor, on the day and year first above written -
Before me, James Gregory, Justice of the Peace.

Sarah Reynolds & formerly widow of Philip Hollitt.
Act of 1836. Map. disbanded.
Supplemental decln of Executor, claiming benefit of Acts of 1836 or 1838-
She died 27 Aug 1844
Joel Reynolds. Wm H Reynolds & Judith Beal surviving children Joel Reynolds Exec.
J. V. Coombs

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Essex ss.
Registry of Probate.
I Edwin Lawrence, Register of Probate for said County, hereby certify that the facts, hereinafter stated are of record in said office, viz: that Sarah Reynolds late of Marblehead in said County, widow, deceased, testate, was an applicant for a pension from the United States under the provisions of the third section of the act of Congress of July 4, 1836; that she died on the twenty-seventh day of August A.D. 1844, leaving three children as no more, viz: Joel Reynolds, William H. Reynolds and Judith Beal, who are still living of lawful age, and that on the sixth day of October instant, Joel Reynolds of said Marblehead bricklayer, was duly appointed executor of the last will and testament of the said Sarah Reynolds deceased, and gave bonds with sufficient sureties, as required by law, for the faithful performance of that trust.
Witness my hand and seal of office this seventh day of October A.D. 1852.
Edwin Lawrence

Anna Gor
... ... in ...
FOLLETT, PHILIP (CONT., MASS., NAVY) W-24751

Longisland May 27 Day 1776
Most kind Loving father and Mother Brother and Sister I take this Opportunity to send these few lines to Lett. you know that I have Well and in good health thank God for it hoping these will find you the same. Remember my kind Love to my Grandmother and uncles and aunts and all asking friends hoping they are Well. I received your letters. With Great kindness there is a great many letters here Which makes it as bad a job for they come into the fort and try to stop up the guns then when the held a Friday night of must like it but I could with my self with you with all my heart for it is a very bad place to get honest things mended but I must do as well as I can. it is a very good place for fruit there is all sorts of fruit to get more I cant tell when we shall come home for I cant tell but what we shall go further we are confined very much upon the count of Tories one of our company is Dead minister Lufbery he where buried 19 Day of May we are yet a foot close to our camp there is about 2000 of us there safe a day come into the fort to take the plan of it and we pitch in and he his under guard there is about 900 hundred about 7 miles of the upper mansion line Town there and some of our men is Station there they hear two or three shot at when another
so no more at present but I remain your ever
Loving Son till present
Seth Philips J. Follett

FOLLETT, PHILIP (CONT., MASS., NAVY) W- 24751

To Philip Tollitt in Marblehead Please to deliver with cages

Longfellow July 15 th 1776
To Most kind Loving Father and Mother
Sisters and Brothers I take this opportunity to let you now that I have well and in good health Blest God for it Hoping these will find you the same they left me I remember my kind love to my Grandmother and Uncles and Aunts and to all my friends hoping they are well and in good health there is about 1500 paid arrived here which about 10 thousand they have landed from that is got the small portion Expect an engagement every Day of Court till when I shall come home for we are yet in a very bad place they look for more in every Day it is where soldiers have which as there is against many warlike men such these men are ships and their tenders come up and begin to fire upon the town of York and we upon them they did not kill one of our men but we had a great misfortune happened to our selves one of our cannon held fire of our one man they was in such great hurry that I did not spring the cannon we tore them all to pieces and killed 40 of them they were gone 25 miles above York towards Albany Patriot I need is to write but I have not said him games Dennis said him I was afraid he would come home so I sent by another ball John remembers his love to you all So I wish you all well I would be very glad if you would send as soon as you can for no more at present but I
Remain your Ever Loving Son till Death Philip Tollett
Handwritten initials or monogram.

Ref  WIDOW, & Co.  cur
File No. 24.751
Sarah Reynolds formerly wife of Philip Gallett Drummer Rev War
Act: July 2 nd 1836
Index: Vol. R , Page 157
[Arrangement of 1870.]

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ESSEX, ss.
I, JOHN PRINCE, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Essex, do certify, that
James Gregory Esq r . is a Justice of the Peace
within and for said County, and that his signature hereon is genuine.
WITNESS MY HAND, and the Seal of said Court of Common Pleas,
November 28. A. D. 1838.
John Prince Clerk.

V. 433. T. Sarah Reynolds. formerly the widow of Philip Follet.
Mass Act 24 July 36 3 March 37 bad case -

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, November 24. th 1838.
By  Hereby  Certify  That  on  an  examination  of  the  Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Phillips Follit of Marble- head as a drummer, is borne on a Muster Roll of the Company Commanded by Capt. Thomas Grant, Colonel John Glover's Regiment, where it appears he rendered service. 2. Months - 3 Weeks - 1 day - viz - from 19 th May to 1 st August 1778
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Bigelow Secretary of the Commonwealth.
(Gregory Eustis)

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ESSEX, ss.
I, JOHN PRINCE, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Essex, do certify, that Hon.  Nathan Beman Esq. is Judge of the Court of a Notary Public within and for said County. That
James Gregory Esquire , is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County, and that their signatures hereon are genuine.
WITNESS MY HAND , and the Seal of said Court of Common Pleas,
August 10 th A. D. 1839
John Prince Clerk.

We the subscribers, inhabitants of Marblehead in the County of Essex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do on our oaths testify and declare, that Sarah Reynolds of this town, formerly the widow of Philip Follett, deceased, is an aged & respectable inhabitant of said town. And we do further declare that we have always understood & believed that she was & is a Lady of good moral character, & one whose character for truth & veracity in every way good is undoubted.
Said Sarah Reynolds is understood to be an applicant for a Pension by & through the services of her former husband, the said Philip Follett, in the War of the Revolution, & we have no hesitation in declaring that we should believe & place implicit confidence in whatever she might state, as a fact, relative to said Follett's Revolutionary services.
Sam d L. Dyer
Richard L. Dyer Rich d L. Dyer Dag d L. Dyer
John Bartlett, pastor of the Church of which Sarah Reynolds has been for twenty five years, an exemplary member.
Rich d L. Dyer. J. P. Nathaniel L. Dyer. Inft of the Customs
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. Marblehead. Aug. 9th. 1839. County of Essex }
On this day personally appeared Richard L. Dyer, Benjamin L. Dyer, John Bartlett, Nathaniel L. Dyer, all of said town, & Nathaniel L. Dyer Inspector of the Customs for the Port of said town, all of whom are well known to me to be credible persons, & of good character for truth & veracity, & personally appeared & made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit. And I certify that Sarah Reynolds referred to in the above affidavit is a Lady of excellent character, & of remarkably bright faculties for a person of her age. Attest, James Gregory, J. of the Peace.

I Peter Dixey certify to the best of my knowledge & belief, that the within Certificate is just and true.
Peter Dixey (Col)
United States of America.
State of Massachusetts.
County of Essex S.S. Town of Marblehead.
I Nathan Bowen, Public Notary, duly Commissioned and qualified, and dwelling in said Marblehead, and a Jus- -tice of the Peace within and for said County, DO Hereby Certify That Samuel S. Trefry, John Sparkhawk Junr Richard Giddler and Benjamin Lindsey, whose names are signed to the within Certificate, are Selectmen of said Town of Marblehead and their Testimony is deserving full faith & confidence: that John Bartlett whose name is also signed within is the Pastor of the second Congregational Church & Society in this Town and universally esteemed in his profession: that Natha- -niel Lindsey Jr within signed is Postmaster of this place and a gentleman of reputation: that Nathaniel Lindsey who also signed the within Certificate, is a gentleman of reputation: and that Peter Dixey, above written, is Collector of this Port, and is a gentleman well known & respectable: and that all the aforesaid persons are to me known as reputable persons whose testimo- -ny is worthy of credit. And I further certify that Sarah Reynolds within mentioned, is a person to me known as sustaining a res- -pectable character in Society, and whose Testimony is worthy of implicit belief.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed my Seal of Office, this Ninth day of August, In the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty nine.
Nathan Bowen } Notary Public } of } Justice of the Peace.

I, John Harris, of Marblehead, in the County of Essex 2 State of Massachusetts, do on my oath testify, & declare, that the Instrument or Power of Attorney hereto annexed, & bearing date January, 1778, & upon the back of which I have subscribed my name - which Power of Attorney purports to be signed by the "Officers as well as Seamen belonging to the Ship Boston, commanded by Samuel Ducker Esqr" - appointing "Major Richard Reed" to be their agent - is a part one of the old Papers which were left by the said Reed to his late Son Ebenezer who married a relation of mine, & which after the death of said Ebenezer & his widow were left in the House in which I now reside - where they have been for more than fifty years to my certain knowledge. And I do further declare that I have not the least doubt whatever of its being a genuine & original Power of Attorney, executed at the date of it, & for the purposes therein mentioned.
Attest! J. Gregory
John Harris
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. Marblehead, Aug. 10th. 1839. County of Essex . . . . .
That the above named John Harris, who is personally known to me to be a person of good character, & a witness who is every way credible, personally appeared & made solemn oath in due form of law to the truth of the above affidavit, by him in my presence subscribed -
Before me, James Gregory, J. of the Peace.

Marblehead, Aug 13 th . 1839.
Honored Sir:
Your favor of May 23 rd the last past was duly received - relating in part to the claim of Sarah Reynolds, formerly widow of Philip Pollett, alias "Pollett," to the benefit of the Acts of July 8 th . 1836, & March 3 rd . 1837.
Your Honor thereon states that the service declared for on the part of Pollett as a Drummer, amounting to 19 months & 21 days, in $387.76, is duly established; but that more proof is required of Pollett's appointment as a fiddler, & service in that capacity, for from ten days to a fortnight, in preparing the Boston Porgate for sea in January & February '78.
Since the receipt of your said favor I have endeavored to find some person who belonged to the Boston at the time Pollett is alleged to have served; but I have succeeded in finding but one person living in the neighboring Country who served in her, & he served in her before that time - when she was commanded by Hector McNeal, (afterwards dismissed the service,) & did not belong to her afterwards.
But I have succeeded in finding a Power of Attorney purporting to have been signed by "Officers as well as Seamen belonging to the Ship Boston, commanded by Samuel Rudder Esq.," & dated "Jan. 1778." This semi-official instrument, which is identified as one of the papers of the late "Major Richard Reed" of Hinton, known as a Prize Agent for many of his fellow townsmen in the War of the Revolution, is forwarded herewith in support of the widow's claim. The name of "Philip Pollett -

Midshipman," will be found among the signatures, & a crop against his name seems to bear out the statement of the widow relative to his death after he belonged to & helped fit the ship for sea, - which statement is also borne out by the affidavit of Hannah Rowden which was forwarded with the Declaration.
In addition to the said Power of Attorney I also herewith forward you affidavit proof in confirmation of the excellent character of the widow for truth & veracity - also affirming the brightness of her faculties for a person of her age - All attested to by several of our most respectable citizens, & I will add that her character & standing is so well known (although she depends upon her friends for support & the means of life,) that, had I thought it necessary I might have increased the witnesses for & in support of her good character almost indefinitely; & I firmly believe that her fellow townsmen are unanimously of opinion (those who have a knowledge of her application) that Fallett did belong to the Boston Brigade & served as a midshipman after her marriage to him as she declares.
Your Honor will have observed that Mrs Rowden in her Declaration states that she was betrothed to Fallett for several years before her marriage to him, which gives her a more distinct recollection of her Army service than she could otherwise have had, & undoubtedly her interest in his welfare was scarcely less under these circumstances than it would have been had she been actually married at the time - at the same time I am well aware that this fact merely cannot establish her claim. She must show to Your Honor's

Harris' satisfaction reasonable proof of some Public Service after she was Polletto lawful wife. The issue is with Your Honor, & will have to be decided either for or against her upon the proof hereof & now forwarded.
I have very respectfully to request the return of the Power of Attorney after it has had the requisite examination - as I am under an obligation so to do to the family to whom it belongs.
I have the Honor to be, very respectfully, Your att. Servt. James Gregory
P.S. In my letter of yesterday's date relative to the claims of widow of John Savage & others, the Certificate of Mr. Beichner our Secretary of State, therein referred to, was accidentally omitted being placed in the enclosure. I have therefore enclosed it herewith.
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.

James Gregory
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston September 21 st 1839.
I hereby Certify, That James Gregory Esq d is a Notary Public for the County of Essex; that he was appointed on the 25 th of July 1839 - and his commission will expire on the 25 th of July 1846 - and that his Signature above written, is his genuine signature
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

( Copy )
Marblehead August 27 th 1840.
Honoured Sir
I beg leave once more to solicit your attention to the long delayed and undecided claim of Sarah Reynolds formerly Widow of Philip Follett, under the law of July 4 th 1836, & the explanatory act of March 3 rd "37. This claim was forwarded to the department Nov r 30 th 1838. In your Honor's favour of May 27 th 1839. you acknowledged the establishment of 19 Months, and 21 days service before the marriage, but the service performed after the marriage as a midshipman on board the Boston Frigate in preparing that vessel for sea you demanded stronger proof than the declaration of the widow although supported by the positive affidavit of Follett's own sister.
In confirmation of the fact of Follett's having joined the Boston Frigate as a midshipman, and as alleged, a Power of Attorney on which Follett had signed his name as such & also the highest grade of proof in support of the good character of Mrs. Reynolds in every respect was forwarded on the 13 th of the following August.
In answer to this initial latter proof your Honor again wrote the undersigned on the following 10 th day of September, that it was not satisfactory and that if she received any pay from him she should state how much &c -
Again on the 24 th of the same month of September, a supplemental affidavit of Mrs. Reynolds was forwarded correcting a memory error of her declaration respecting the length of time he belonged to the Frigate before he returned home and was taken sick, and also giving information as near as she could recollect of the amount and kind of pay he received. The affidavit of another lady Hannah Wadden as respectable a witness as the town affords for her age - was also forwarded at the same time confirming the declaration of Mrs. Reynolds, the affidavit of Mrs. Roundy and the power of Attorney bearing Follett's name -

respecting his service on board the Boston.
Your Honor again wrote the undersigned on the 12 th of the following October, that all this evidence collectively was not sufficient under the circumstances of the personal and domestic considerations, to establish the fact that Follett belonged to said Frigate at any time during the 45 days in which he lived after his marriage, and stating substantially, that the Widow must find a Witness who actually served with Follett while he belonged to the Ship.
Although the practical effect of this decision would be the disallowance of just claims in a large majority of cases, by reason of the fact that there is in many instances, not a solitary soul living of those who served in certain Vessels of the Navy of the Revolution, yet with the view of ascertaining whether any one were living of all those who belonged to the Frigate when Follett died, I have incurred an expenditure of more than $30, in searching through a wide extent of country for the purpose, and have succeeded in finding barely one living which belonged to her the cruise Follett helped prepare her for, named William Jemison who served as Lieutenant of Marines, and his memory is such that he can recollect scarce a soul that belonged to the Frigate that cruise excepting the Marines to which he belonged. She however has a Journal of dates &c kept from the time they left Boston which shows a remarkable accuracy in Mrs Reynolds' memory in regard to the time Follett visited her and his friends after the Ship was prepared for sea. It will be seen by her declaration and affidavit that she states Follett was at home but 15 days before his death and that he died on the 25 th of February '78, This of course would make the death of his leaving the Ship the 10 th . The Journal of Jemison states that Hon. John Adams Minister for France, embarked on board the 13 th , that they sailed from Boston the same day, and put into Marblehead the same evening, and sailed for France the next morning. It thus appears that the Vessel must have been about ready for sea when —

Follett had permission to visit his friends - as she sailed six three days after, Garrison does not distinctly recollect the cause of putting into Dickgableshead, but it appears, highly probable it was to take Follett on board had he been well enough to go the cruise. —
Such is the proof and such the position of Mr Reynolds claim and may I not ask whether the chain of evidence in support of it, taken altogether, is not full and plenary! With regard to the personal and domestic considerations" of which you speak in your letter of October 12 th raising a presumption adverse to the probability of Follett's having joined the Frigate before his death, I will observe, that is no uncom- -mon thing for among us for a Man, even in peaceable times, to be married one day and go off to sea the very next; and then if your Honor does not altogether & absolutely reject the testimony of the witnesses that he did actually assist in preparing the Vessel for sea, you must as I conceive believe that he was actually as stated a regular Officer, on board, for it is in evidence that the Ship actually sailed on her cruise the fourth day after Follett had permission to visit Marblehead.
The Widow answered the requirement of your letter of Sep t 10 th in her supplement declaration forwarded the 24 th of the same month and I have no doubt of the department has the orders of Robert Morris Esq r the general Naval Agent of the Government for that time that Follett's advance pay will be found among them for expenses of the cruise of the Boston for the early part of '78. as she therein declares, under all the circumstances of the case I cannot but think that if your Honor will but reexamine the chain of evidence presented in support of it that this long protracted claim will at length be allowed, but if after all you decide otherwise I have very respectfully to request that all the papers and evidence in the case may be returned with your Honor's answer to the whole. —
Very respectfully, &c — (Signed) James Gregory

Marblehead, October 23 d 1841.
Honored Sir, -
Since the receipt of your favor of September 4 th , 1840, in answer to my letter of 27 th of the previous month - relative to the claim of Sarah Reynolds, formerly widow of "Phillip" Follett, I have been much engaged in a laborious research in the hope of finding still further proof of her title to the benefit of 3 d section of the law of July 4 th . 1836.
My efforts for the poor old widow have, however, resulted in little or no success, for I have not been able to find a solitary soul living who served on board the Frigate Boston at the time her said husband served as a Midshipman, in January & February, 1818, helping equip her for sea. But after a long correspondence with the grandchildren of the late Commodore Tucker (who commanded the Boston at the time) who are now living in Bremen, Maine, I have succeeded in obtaining a Muster Roll of the Frigate, which they state to be the only one they can find among their late grandfather's papers, but which, unfortunately for Mrs. Reynolds, aspertains to a cruise of the Frigate performed in 1819 - the year after Mrs. Reynolds late husband served.
As

As this Roll might be of service to both the government & applicants - in furtherance of an equitable administration of the Pension Laws - containing as it does some 300 names, it will give me pleasure to forward it to the Department - should it desire it - upon a simple intimation that it shall be returned to me after being examined or copied, - as I am under a pledge of Honor to see it safely returned to the owner of it.
As Mrs. Reynolds & her friends have requested me to take another affidavit of Hannah Reynolds - covering some particulars not mentioned in her former one forwarded with Mrs. Reynolds' Declaration; - believing, as I do, in the legality & justice of her claim - I have not felt myself at liberty to decline it - though I have little hope of its being of much service toward the allowance of a claim which has been already nearly three years before the Department.
I am, with the highest respect, Your Honor's obt. servt. James Gregory
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.

Marblehead, November 11th 1841. Honored Sir, —
I have received your favor of the 2 d inst. in reply to my letter of the 23 d Ult. relative to the claim of Sarah Reynolds, formerly widow of Philip Follett n.c. — in which favor your Honor makes the following observations: —
"although the claim of Mrs. Sarah Reynolds presents some very strong points favorable to her claim, I should not under all the circumstances feel myself justified in allowing it. The papers will remain upon our files, and should Mrs. Reynolds present her claim to Congress, they will be handed over to the Committee if called for."
In answer I beg leave to observe that, as after a laborious research & investigation of more than three years I have not been able to find a solitary seaman living of the crew of the Frigate Boston for the cruise of 1778, to enable Mrs. R. to furnish other proof than that she has already produced of the fact that Follett performed to the amount of a day's service as a Midshipman of that vessel, (for if your Honor could be satisfied of the performance of but a single day's service after the 11th of January —
the

the day of her marriage - her case would be clearly within the provisions of the law of July 4th (1836) - under these circumstances it is probable that she will feel herself obliged to resort to the tardy action of Congress for a final examination of the evidence offered in support of her claim - through the agency of Hon Mr Ballantyne the Representative of this District.
Upon the presumption, therefore, that Mrs. R. will have to present her claim to Congress, I would very respectfully beg to be informed - whether the provisions of the Resolution of Congress of the 29th of May, 1830, is construed by the Department as extending to widows' claims, and if so, whether a favorable report has been or will be made in Mrs. Reynolds' case.
I am, with the highest respect, Your Honors obt. servt. James Gregory
James L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, October 30 th 1852.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation James Gregory was a Justice of the Peace, and Edwin Lawrence was Register of Probate - for the County of Essex.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Amos Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Washington, Nov. 17 th 1852
Sir:
Enclosed please find the application of the Execution of Sarah Reynolds, dec d . formerly widow of Philip Fottell, - late of Mass. for the benefit of the Act of 1836 or 1838, as the case may be.
Mrs. Reynolds in her life time claimed the benefit of the Act of 1836, but her claim was disallowed because the evidence was not held satisfactory to prove that her husband was in service at the time of the marriage.
Although I think myself that the case was fairly made out under the Act of 1836, yet I suppose the claim under that act is cut off by the five year limitation rule.
I therefore ask that the claim be examined under the Act of 1838. All the facts necessary to the establishment of the claim under that Act have been uniformly

admitted by the Pension Office, and as the benefit of that act is now for the first time claimed, the five year rule does not apply to such claims.
Very respectfully Yours obed servt J. L. Coombs
J. E. Heath Esq Comm r of Pensions.

Brief in the case of Sarah Reynolds wid of Philip Follett County and State of Massachusetts act July 4 1836
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Proof of Service Record & tract, (admitted by the office year ago)
Record proof of marriage.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Thornton Tiptlett
Name and residence of Agent
J. H. Gombes Esq Present
Examining Clerk.

No. 7. 887 Sarah Reynolds dec formerly widow of Philip Follett Adm? Mass
July 4 1836
19 months & 21 d Dummer
$72. 11
per annum from 4 March 1831 to 27 August 1834
when she died
Pay to Joel Reynolds.
Mrs Reynolds & Judith Beal
surviving children
Joel Reynolds Exec r
Cert to J. H. Coombs Esq Present

19 months + 21 days Drummen
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 366\frac{2}{3} \\
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 32.84 \\
 300, 12\frac{2}{3} \\
 \hline
 69.66 \\
 24.55 \\
 \hline
 \$72.11
 \end{array} 
 \begin{array}{r}
 6\frac{1}{3} \\
 \hline
 12\frac{2}{3} \overline{) 300\frac{2}{3}} \\
 122 \\
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 2.45
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Marblehead, September 24th. 1889.
Honored Sir, -
Since the receipt of your Honor's favor of the 10th inst. relative to the claim of Mrs. Sarah Reynolds, formerly widow of Philip Follett, deceased, I have called upon the worthy old widow & read your letter to her - informing her at the same time that her case was hopeless for aught I could see; for it was more than probable that there was not a solitary soul living who belonged to the Boston Frigate at the time her first husband died. Mrs. R. then informed me that there was one of the companions of her youth still living who was was well acquainted with her & her first husband, Follett, who was also present at her marriage, & who might possibly recollect the fact that he belonged to the Boston & served as she had stated. I accordingly called upon Mrs. Hannah Wadden (the widow of two of our Revolutionary Veterans) - in obedience to her request, & to my surprise found that she had a lively recollection of the substance of all that Mrs. R. had set forth respecting Follett's service on board the Boston after his marriage to Mrs. Reynolds . Her affidavit is forwarded herewith, as is also that of Mrs. Reynolds setting forth some additional particulars of her recollection respecting the services of Follett on board said Frigate after her marriage. As it is absolutely impossible to find living witnesses in a majority of these ancient claims who actually served with the applicants husbands , I cannot but believe that the testimony of Mrs. Roundy & Mrs. Wadden in this case, must, under the peculiar circumstances of Mrs. Reynolds' claim, have great weight with your Honor. James L. Edwards Esq.      I am, with great respect, your Honor's C. of Pensions, Washington D.C.      obedient servt. James Gregory

I, Hannah Wadden, of Marblehead in the County of Essex, widow, do on my oath testify & declare that I am in the Seventy-third year of my age: that I was well acquainted with many of my native fellow townsmen of said Marblehead who performed service in the War of the Revolution: that among the rest I was well acquainted with the first husband of my old friend and acquaintance Sarah Reynolds - to wit, Phillip Follett. I well recollect that I was present at the marriage of said Phillip Follett to said Sarah. And I do further testify & declare that I have always understood & believed said Follett was in considerable service in the Army in said War as a drummer before he was married to said Sarah. And I do further well recollect that said Phillip Follett, the week next after his marriage to said Sarah, proceeded to Boston and joined the Frigate Boston, Samuel Tucker Esquire commander, as some kind of an officer, and continued in Boston attached to her until sometime in the month of February following, when he returned home to give a parting visit to his family and friends preparatory to his going on a cruise in said Frigate - was taken sick immediately after and died of the small pox the latter part of the same month. All these facts were notorious throughout the neighborhood and among the familiar friends and acquaintances of Follett, of whom I was one.
Witness my Judith Beck
Hannah Wadden
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. Marblehead, September 19th, 1859. County of Essex . . . . }
Then the above named Hannah Wadden, who is personally known to me, & well known to be a credible witness, swore to the substance of the above affidavit before me this day.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Notarial Seal the day and year aforesaid.
James Colgan, Notary Public.

I, Sarah Reynolds, of Marblehead in the County of Essex, now the widow of William H. Reynolds, and formerly widow of Phillip Follett, do on my oath testify & declare, that I am in the Eighty third year of my age: that I was married to said Phillip Follett on the eleventh day of January A.D. 1778: that according to the best of my recollection I was married to him on Thursday and he left me to join the Frigate Boston as a Midshipman on the Tuesday next following , being the sixteenth day of said month of January : that I stated the period of his services on board said Frigate, in my Declaration, dated October 8 th 1838, at 90 days lest I should exceed the true length of it; but upon more mature reflection I am fully satisfied he served longer, because I know he died on the twenty-fifth day of the following month of February - that he was taken sick immediately after he arrived home, & was sick but fifteen days before his death, which must have made the date of his return home the tenth of the month & must therefore have made his absence from me on board said Frigate from the 16th of January to the tenth of February , equal to twenty-five days altogether . I cannot recollect any thing further with regard to my said husband's pay than what I stated in my Declaration, excepting the amount, which, according to my best recollection, was from 80 to 100 Dollars - mostly in Continental Paper Money. I well recollect he had no money with him when he left me, & that he brought home money with him which I understood he received in advance for his extended course in said Frigate, & I further have no doubt whatever of it; but this is all I can conscientiously say, with certainty, about his pay. Witness my hand & seal. Sarah Reynolds
Meriam Innes
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. Marblehead, September 20th, 1839. County of Essex }
Then the above named Sarah Reynolds, who is personally well known to me to be a credible witness, personally appeared & subscribed the above affidavit, & made solemn oath to the truth of the same, before me the subscriber. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Notarial Seal the day & year aforesaid. James Gregory, Notary Public.

Shep Boston
Jan 1778
Original or free
Rolls detached
Rolls

Ship Boston: persons "belong" to her Jan 1778.
Bery Reed _____ Philip Mohys — Go d Proctor's son Rich Horton _____ Joshua Goss — The Brimblecom Jr boy Ana Richardson _____ Jn c Fowler — The Colly Jn c Maene _____ Jn c Vickery mate — Bery Tucker 1 st mate Philip Fickett Ma — Sam Quittrey — Jn c Goss. Wm Goss _____ Jacob Tucker Jr — See Snowden Elias Bowden _____ Jacob Tucker — Philip Mohys Richard Abbott _____ Saml Gatchell — Jn c Davis Jn c Fox _____ Aaron Keith — Just Mehony Wm Roberts _____ Henry Payton — Abah Pease Abah Pease Jr. _____ Jn c Pease. boy — The Brimblecom Sam Harris _____
For original list, of names, and their grades See papers of Mr Sarah Reynolds Mass. Sun. Ad July 4 1836.

Mrs Sarah Reynolds
married 11 Jany 78 - a Midshipman of the then Boston preparing for a cruise & Sailed 13 Feby 78 - He was ill at the date of her sailing at Marblehead where she resided having come down to take leave of her on 10 Feby and died 25 of that month - power of atty to draw his share of prizes &c) shews that he was a Midshipman belonging to the Boston Jany - 78 =

Map.
Sarah Reynolds. Sus d Act. '36.
James L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions. Washington, D.C.
FREE

Sept. 1. 1840
Miss
Sarah Reynolds.
Sus d Act. '36
FREE
James L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions. Washington, D.C.

Marblehead, Aug. 27th. 1840.
Honored Sir, -
I beg leave once more to solicit your attention to the long delayed & still undecided claim of Sarah Reynolds , formerly widow of Philip Follett , under the law of July 4th. 1836, & the explanatory act of March 3 d . 1837.
This claim was forwarded to the Department, November 30th. 1838. In your Honor's favor of May 27th. 1839, you acknowledge the establishment of 19 months & 21 days service before the marriage, but the service performed after the marriage, as a Midshipman on board the Boston Frigate, in preparing that vessel for sea you demand stronger proof of than the Declaration of the widow, & the strong affidavit of Follett's own sister - Hannah Roundy - which was forwarded with the papers.
In confirmation of the fact that Follett joined the Boston Frigate, as alleged, an original Power of Attorney, with proof of its identity, signed by him as a Midshipman, & also the highest grade of proof in support of the excellent character of Mrs Reynolds, in all respects , was forwarded to the Department on the 13th. of the following August.
In answer to this latter proof your Honor again wrote the undersigned on the 10th. of September following stating that it was not satisfactory, & requiring if she received any pay that she would state how much & from whom.
On the 24th. of the same month of September a supplemental affidavit of Mrs Reynolds was forwarded in answer, correcting an error of her memory respecting the length of time which Follett served on board the Boston - as set forth in her Declaration, & also stating as near as she could recollect the amount & kind of pay he received.
She

The affidavit of another lady - Hannah Wadsworth - as respectable a witness as the town affords for her age , was also forwarded at the same time, & fully confirmed the Declaration of Mrs. Reynolds, as well as the affidavit of Mrs. Roundy, previously forwarded, & also the original Power of Attorney of Pickett &c. respecting his service on board the Boston.
Your Honor again wrote the undersigned on the 12th of the following October that all this evidence collectively was not sufficient under "the personal & domestic considerations" of Pickett's case, to establish the fact that he belonged to the Forzate at all. During the 48 days in which he lived after his marriage, & also stated, substantially, that the witness must find a witness who actually served with Pickett while he belonged to the ship.
Although the practical effect of this Decision - carried out as a general rule - would result in a rejection of just claims in a large majority of cases, by reason of the fact that there is not a solitary soul living of those who composed the crew of certain vessels of the Navy of the Revolution, yet with the view of determining this point as far as the crew of the Boston was concerned, I have searched over a wide extent of country in this quarter, at an expense of more than $30, & the result has been that I have found barely one - one individual only living, after much enquiry I cannot so much as hear of another one living anywhere. This man is named William Garrison, & he was an officer of Marines on board. His memory is such, & the time elapsed so great, that he can recollect scarce a soul of all those who belonged to the ship, & went the course in her, excepting those of his own corps. He has however a Journal of dates of transactions that took place on board from the day of sailing , which in one respect shows a remarkable accuracy of Mrs. Reynolds' memory in that particular.
It will be seen by referring to her Declaration & affidavit that she states that Pickett died on the 25th of February, 1797 515 days after he left the ship to bid his friend farewell. This of course would make the date of his leaving the ship the 10th. The Journal of Garrison states that Hon. John Adams (minister to France,) came on board from Quincy on the 13th; that they sailed from Boston the same day, & put into Nantucket the same evening, & sailed for France on the following morning.

It thus appears that the vessel must have been about preparing for sea - as Mrs. Reynolds stated - when Pickett had permission to visit her & his friends, as she sailed in just three days after. Garrison does not distinctly recollect the cause of putting in to Marblehead, but it appears almost certain it was to take Pickett on board had he been well enough to go the cruise.
Such is the proof & such the position of Mrs. Reynolds' claim; & may I not ask whether the chain of evidence - circumstantial & position , taken altogether, is not as full & plenary as can be expected in a large majority of these ancient claims? With respect to "the personal & domestic considerations" of which you speak in your said favor of October 12th, as raising a presumption that adverse to the probability of Pickett having joined the Brigade before his death, I will observe that it is no uncommon thing among us for a man to be married one day & go off to sea the next; & then if your Honor does not altogether & absolutely reject the testimony of the witnesses asserting that he did actually join the ship & assist in preparing her for sea , you must, as I conceive, believe that he was a stated & regular officer on board - inasmuch as she actually sailed in 3 days after Pickett had permission to go home & bid his friends farewell . And then there is the Power of Attorney, dated the very month of Pickett's marriage - Jan'y. 1778 - of which his signature is but the 8 th on the list. I beg your attention to the positive declaration with which it begins. It is in the following words: - "We the subscribers, officers, as well as Seamen belonging to the Ship Boston " &c.
The widow answers the requirement of your favor of Sept 10th respecting Pickett's pay, & I have no doubt of the Department has in its possession the voucher of Robert Morris Esq. the general Continental Army Agent for that time, that Pickett's advance pay will be found among the items of the Boston's outfit expenses for the early part of 1778, as she states it.
Under all the circumstances of the case, I cannot but think - if your Honor will but re-examine the chain of evidence, position & circumstantial , presented in support of it, that this long protracted claim will at length be allowed; but if after all you feel yourself bound to decide otherwise, I have, very respectfully , to request that all the papers and evidence of every description in the case - including all the letters forwarded by the writer - may be returned to me.
I am, with great respect,
Your Honor's ob't. Serv't.
James Gregory
To James L. Edward Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.

I, Hannah Roundey, of Salem, in the County of Essex & State of Massachusetts, widow, and formerly of Marblehead in said County, do on my oath testify & declare, that I am the same identical Hannah Roundey who made an affidavit in support of the claim of Sarah Reynolds of said Marblehead, formerly the widow of Philip Follett, (who was my own brother,) to a Revolutionary Pension - in the year 1838.
That in confirmation of the facts then stated by me, I do make this additional affidavit with the view of naming other particulars relative to the service of my said brother; & I do now therefore further testify & declare, that soon after the marriage of my said late brother to said Sarah, sometime in the month of January, 1778, he proceeded to Boston, from said Marblehead, in company with his Uncle, Benjamin Reed, & there joined a ship, as some kind of an officer, of which ship the late commodore Samuel Becker was then commander, & said Benjamin Reed was Lieutenant : that he was absent from home some considerable length of time - nearly a fortnight or longer helping prepare the vessel for a cruise, when he returned for the purpose of bidding his family & friends farewell, & taking the balance of his sea-stores with the view of immediately rejoining said ship, & sailing on a cruise.
And I do further testify & declare, that "I have a distinct recollection of the evening of the day he so returned home & came into my father's house & sat down in the broad old-fashioned chimney-corner, & complained that he had the head-ache & had caught a severe cold in travelling home from Boston, & also stated that they had got the ship ready for sea & that he was bound to return & rejoin her immediately": that I have a more distinct recollection of these facts being so stated by my said late brother & talked over in my father's family at the time, and well understood & believed by all our relatives & friends - than I have of many events that have recently occurred.
Hannah Roundey
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. Salem, October 23 d 1841. Essex County
Then the above named Hannah Roundey, who is well known to me personally, as a lady of good moral character, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of said Salem, - personally appeared & made oath in due form of law to the truth of the above affidavit by her in my presence subscribed.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal the day & year last above written. James Gregory, Notary Public, S. of the Peace.